[Familial sarcoidosis. 4 cases in 2 families].

Among the patients of the Bundeswehrzentralkrankenhaus Koblenz two new cases of familial sarcoidosis with two cases each became known from Nov. 1977 to Feb. 1978. These cases are reported with typical x-ray-findings. The above mentioned short period of time for finding two new cases of familial sarcoidosis seems extraordinary, as in the world literature on sarcoidosis until today only 114-150 cases are reported. "Sarcoidosis" is described referring to the newer literature. Possible causes for acquiring sarcoidosis are discussed. Specific research by the disciplines social medicine, genetics, and hygiene of the families suffering from familial sarcoidosis is proposed, in order to analyze genetic disposition and/or environmental factors. Long-term supervision of the families afflicted with familial sarcoidosis is proposed.